Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag received a stay of execution after a lowly Premier League finish last season, but Jamie Carragher isn't sure how long he has left
17:52, 08 Aug 2024Updated 18:05, 08 Aug 2024
Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher has predicted Erik ten Hag will be gone as Manchester United manager by November in what he admits classes as a 'hot take'.
Ten Hag found himself under pressure towards the end of last season as United slumped to an eighth-place finish, their worst in the Premier League era. However, an FA Cup win helped his case.
Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe met with at least one potential successor, but ultimately decided Ten Hag was the man to lead United forward. A new contract followed, though it only runs until the end of the 2025-26 season.
Speaking on Fan Debate for The Overlap, Carragher introduced a 'Hot Takes' section. When asked for his own, he said: "Ten Hag gone by November… international break."
READ MORE: Sky Sports fans can save £216 on their bill, here's three other reasons you'll want to pick itREAD MORE: Man Utd hit with injury crisis before season even starts as SIX first-team stars crockedUnited fan and broadcaster Adam McKola said “We’ll either win the league or [Ruud] van Nistelrooy will be our manager at Christmas. One of the two.” In response, Carragher made it clear he felt the latter was more likely.
Ten Hag's team have had mixed fortunes during their pre-season tour of the United States. They beat Real Betis 3-2, but lost to both Arsenal and Liverpool.
They're up against Manchester City in the Community Shield, where fans could see new signing Joshua Zirkzee in action for the first team. Fellow new arrival Leny Yoro won't be involved, though, after suffering a foot injury which will keep him out for up to three months.
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Last season's struggles came against the backdrop of an injury crisis, and Ten Hag is still without a few members of his first-team squad. Others, including Zirkzee, returned later after international duty.
“Harry Maguire missed the game as a precaution, he is a question mark for Saturday,” Ten Hag said ahead of the Community Shield. “So we have training and we will have to see whether he is fit enough or not to be available.
“Victor [Lindelof] played, but he is also a question mark and so is Azza [Aaron Wan-Bissaka]. Luke Shaw too. We have to see about [them] tomorrow.”
United's players were put on different programmes in an effort to get them ready for the new season, but Ten Hag was a little cagey on certain squad members. "From individual to individual we will assess them and make a decision whether they start, come from the bench or they don't play,” he said.
Following the Community Shield, Ten Hag's side have just six days to prepare for their Premier League opener. That will come against Fulham on August 16.
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